Boulder and Jackson Hole

We decided to take a break from the big cities and head up to the mountains. Boulder has been a place that, for years, people have been telling me that I would love it. They all have been right. I wanted to visit for the above reason, but also because Boulder has been a city slightly ahead of the game in regards to planning. Like Portland, Boulder has an urban growth boundary so little to no sprawl is allowed to occur. The open space, parks and hiking trails are all really accessible. No one really has a choice other than get outside and do something. Well, they did recently pass a law allowing marijuana dispensaries. Those partaking might get a bit too hazed to do little else than sit on their couch. 

The Rockies.

Kristofferson soaking it in.

We did hear about the "Boulder Bubble" from a few people we interviewed. In other words, it's not a real place. One person mentioned that people that grew up there have little sense of what the rest of the country is like. The population tends towards a more liberal persuasion which one would think would be somewhat enlightened, but that can be one-sided as well. It seems to be a very tolerant community, but I can see how it could feel like a bubble. It is a college town and I can understand needing to leave very soon after graduation. I think a lot of people do stay though and I can also see why they would. In my perfect world I'd live there for a summer or at least just go back for a couple weeks to really enjoy the surroundings.

Once we left Boulder we headed towards Jackson Hole. Hands down, that was the most beautiful drive I've ever been on. There really are no words for it. Driving through the Tetons was an experience not to be missed. I was exhausted, but hated closing my eyes for fear of missing the most gorgeous landscape I had ever seen before. 

Snow on the ground in Wyoming  and what is it? 115 at home? My apologies...

JH is another one of those fairytale lands. A ton of people move out here for a season and end up staying. I would too if I could wake up to this scenery every morning. It is interesting to see a place that thrives on tourism and little else. Charleston has a similar economy, but we do have a a bit more going on. I don't think there are too many job opportunities for me out here though. Maybe land conservation? 

We got to go rafting down the Snake River yesterday and it was absolutely amazing. I don't have any pictures because I was sure my camera would see its last day on that raft. I was nervous at first since we weren't going with a guide and there were no helmets to speak of. I did not die though and I would totally do it again! We froze and ended up  having to hitchhike back to Jackson, but it was well worth it. Oh, I also saved a guy's life by helping him back into the boat after he was bounced out. I think that deserves a round of applause or a badge or maybe even a parade...

We're headed to Boise, Idaho tonight. Unfortunately we can't drive straight to Portland and that city seems like a logical stopping point. I'm somewhat excited to see what the biggest city in Idaho is like. We also get to drive through a town called Bliss and I'm overly excited about that. It's my favorite word for sentimental reasons. I will be stopping and taking excessive photos and William will be bitching about it. So it goes...

bye.